Robert Ellis Herron

Robert Ellis Herron was born on January 21, 1943, to Garnett and Elizabeth (Streets) Herron in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the 8th child of 17 children. Robert received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School system and graduated from North Division High School. He later honed his professional skills at Lincoln Technical Institute in Newark, NJ.

In 1964, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, where he refined his cooking skills as a chef and served his country dutifully. After being honorably discharged in 1968, he relocated to Newark, New Jersey. It was there in 1969 at Tony Ellerbee’s Barber Shop that he met his love and late wife, Jean Herron. On January 3rd, 1970 Robert Herron married Jean Jackson and from this union they had four children Dawn, LaWanda, Nicole, and Lindsay. He resided in Irvington with his family for many years. He moved to Vauxhall in 1987 and has lived there ever since. Robert was a loving and devoted husband and father dedicated to supporting and protecting his wife and children.

On August 13,1978 he was initiated into the United Masonic Brotherhood as a Master Mason where he was distinguished for his zeal and fidelity to the craft.Throughout his professional career, Robert invested in real estate with his wife. He also worked as a lead machinist for Emeloid and Hartz for 23 years, until his health required him to step away. Despite the many health challenges he faced, Robert remained a beacon of positivity. When asked how he was doing, he would reply, “I’m no worse for the wear,” always grateful for the blessing of waking up and placing his two feet on the ground each morning.

In 1998, Robert was given a second chance at life when he received a heart transplant — a gift that inspired his deep dedication to charitable work. He became an active volunteer with the Sharing Network and Hearty Hearts for over 20 years, where he encouraged organ donation and educated families about its life-saving importance. His service, compassion, and commitment touched countless lives. Through Hearty Hearts, he supported individuals awaiting transplants and offered comfort to those who had recently received them. The American Heart Association also became an important connection in his journey, consistently encouraging involvement and advocacy.

A devoted family man, Robert expressed his love through food. His love language lived in his kitchen, and he was known for his famous Wednesday-morning pancakes — a cherished family ritual that often sparked a friendly competition since they were strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Robert and Jean built a beautiful life together, where laughter and love were always priorities. Robert was called home on November 28, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loved ones. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Jean Herron and his son Robert Lewis. He leaves behind four daughters: Dawn, LaWanda, Nicole, and Lindsay Herron; eight grandchildren: Fallon, Brittney, Shaquan, Jakiyah, Ebone, Kenejon, Emieri, and Zuriyah; and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by three brothers — Rufus, Walter, and Charles Herron — along with a host of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

To know Robert was to love him. Through humor, love, dedication, and unwavering devotion, he left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to cross his path. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he loved and those who love him deeply.AcknowledgementThe Herron Family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for your prayers, phone calls, and acts of kindness during this difficult time. The outpouring of love has been truly overwhelming, and we are sincerely grateful for your unwavering support.